ERIC J. VONDERHORST Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Eric J. Vonderhorst, 89, of Oak Ridge, NJ, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2015. Eric was born on April 5, 1925 in Hackensack, NJ to the late Elizabeth (Kohler) and the late William Vonderhorst. He proudly served in the US Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He was in the European Theater at the Battle of the Bulge. Captured and wounded, he was kept Prisoner of War from December 1944 to April 1945, for which he received a Purple Heart. Eric was a civil engineer at Picatinny Arsenal and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Eric was a civil engineer at Picatinny Arsenal and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Eric married Frieda (Champion) in 1971 and resided in California. While in California, Eric proudly served as a volunteer border patrol “Minute Man,” again serving his country. His family will lovingly remember him for his gardening, especially his canned pickles and beets. Eric was predeceased by his beloved wife Frieda, his dear son Eric John Jr., and his loving siblings Richard, Peter, and Maryann. He leaves behind his daughter Kathleen (Vonderhorst) Brown and son-in-law Darryl, his stepchildren Barbara Rarick of Rockaway., and Beverly and Larry Baxter of Ca; his grandchildren Jerry and Maggie Brown, and Tara and Chris Cheevers; his step grandchildren Sherri and Patsy Saarloos, Shawn Rarick, Neil Rankin, Brett Fish, and Tiffany Baxter; his 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great -great grandchild; his siblings Stillman, Ted, and Ruth (Vonderhorst) Kurtz, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service celebrating Eric’s life will take place on August 2, 2015, location to be announced. Memorial donations may be made in Eric’s name to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or to Pets for Patriots, Inc. 218 E. Park Ave. Suite 543, Long Beach, NY 11561.

ERIC J. VONDERHORST

April 5, 1925 - February 15, 2015